A LOT STILL NEEDS DOING Dear Members,

Fortunately, there is still enough time to adjust and position ourselves to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of us. There is still a lot that needs to be done to address the impacts of irresponsible resource usage and poor waste management on livelihoods. It is critical for all stakeholders, governments, industry, civil society and consumers to come together and create the future we want in the green economy.

I believe the IWMSA is a powerful vehicle for advocacy and change. I urge our members to become involved, help us make the change and advance our mission.

This year I am particularly looking forward to the Landfill and Waste Treatment Interest Group (LaWTIG) Conference 2023, which will be hosted by the Western Cape branch. If you are not aware, we have two active LaWTIGs in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. The tone was set already at WasteCon 2022 by Professor Raffaello Cossu from the University of Padova, Italy, who stated, “Landfill has a big role to play in the circular economy. It still counts for about 20% of waste disposal even in the most developed countries. Final sink waste must , however, be treated appropriately before it goes to landfill.”

South Africa still has its challenges when it comes to the management of landfill sites, with Afriforum’s Municipal Landfill Audit Report 2021 noting that about 83% municipal landfill sites do not meet the minimum requirements. The IWMSA’s interest groups and branches engage with these and other issues throughout the year. Preparations for LaWTIG Conference 2023 are already underway – and from what I have seen so far, this will be an event not to be missed.

I would like to congratulate the winners of the KZN Waste Management Awards 2022, held in November. We should not take any of these recognitions for granted. After a tough two years, due to the pandemic, it was encouraging to see 2022’s calibre of entrants. They all highlighted attempts to cut down on energy, water use and waste production. The majority of entrants took part for the first time. The winners were honoured for their contribution to the waste industry after a rigorous judging process, including site visits and audits.

We at the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa are deeply saddened by the news of Koos Richter’s passing. Koos was a dedicated and visionary member of our organisation, who made immense contributions to the field of waste management and environmental protection. His unwavering commitment and passion for a sustainable future will always be remembered and deeply missed. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. Koos’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide us as we strive to make the world a better place. May his memory bring you comfort and peace.